A smart card is a card that is carried with either a microprocessor(微处理器)and a memory chip or only a memory chip that is not programmable(可编程的). The microprocessor card can add, delete, and deal with the information on the card, while a memory-chip card can only do one thing.
Smart cards, unlike magnetic stripe cards, can do many different things and hold a lot of information. In this way, they do not need to get information from a faraway place when they are used.
Today, there are several kinds of smart cards, all of which are very popular in the market:
IC (Integrated Circuit) microprocessor cards: Microprocessor cards (chip cards) offer a larger memory and better security than the traditional magnetic(磁性的)stripe cards do. Chip cards can also hold data. These cards are used for many things. Thus, chips have been the main platform for cards that hold a secure digital identity. Some examples of these cards are: cards that hold money; cards that provide safe access to a network; cards that allow setting stop boxes on television to remain safe from privacy(隐私).
Optical(光学的)memory cards: Optical memory cards look like cards with a piece of CD on the top. Optical memory cards can store up to 4MB of data. But once written, the data can not be changed or removed. Thus, this type of card is good for keeping records, such as medical files, driving records or travel histories. Today, there are no processors in them (although this is coming in the near future). While the cards are almost as cheap as chip cards, the card readers are expensive.
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Types |
Disadvantages |
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IC chip cards |
A larger memory & better security; |
Not mentioned |
; Large memory; low cost of cards |
Store much data; Good for doctors, drivers and travelers _______ Cost not much |
can not be changed or removed; ; Expensive . |